As I consider how I was inspired to connect, mentor and engage community the way I presently do, I’m reminded of a relay race. My parents raised me to be compassionate and care for people. They did so by the level of accountability they held me to in looking after my younger sister and brother. I learned compassion while helping…
An Inside Look at the Ogden-Jenner Merger with Two Moms Who Are Making It Happen
When Jenner Elementary mom Betty Thomas first heard about the idea of merging Jenner with nearby Ogden International, her immediate reaction was to pray. “I needed to find out that my son was guaranteed to be a part of this and [would] not be kicked to the side,” she said. “I was just hoping it was not a trick.” Her…
Students Don’t Learn From Suspensions But Restorative Justice Offers Opportunity
For the last few years, Chicago Public Schools has been working hard to change its discipline policies and practices to reduce suspensions and expulsions. Instead, the district is encouraging principals and teachers to use restorative justice practices such as peace circles, conversations to restore relationships and formal letters of apology to repair harm and restore community. This shift is essential.…
My Neighbor Died Because He Struggled to Read. “Hard Words” Explains Why He Missed Out.
If you care about kids, take some time this week and spend the 52 minutes it takes to listen to Emily Hanford’s new radio documentary from American Public Media, “Hard Words.” Then get mad enough to make waves about changing the way we teach reading—both to kids, and to teachers. Hanford’s piece details the sad fact that the truce that…
This Week in CPS: Take a Free Field Trip on the CSO, Activate Go CPS and Hear Tales from Robeson HS
To celebrate the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 100th anniversary season, Chicago Public Schools can get free bus service and free tickets to selected concerts. Details here. The lineup of concerts includes opportunities to hear Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” and Benjamin Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” Most shows are recommended for grades K-5 It’s Not Too Early to…
Chicago Educators Are #AlwaysLearning
Students are just getting back in the swing in Chicago Public Schools this week. Meanwhile, their teachers and principals have never stopped learning. I talked with a couple of educators whose schools are part of the Network for College Success, where school leaders and teachers work with University of Chicago researchers and coaches to support students through and beyond high…
This Week in CPS: New School Year, New Mayor
Jaws dropped all over the city this morning when Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced he will not run for re-election. You can watch his full announcement here. (Video starts at 7:34) Emanuel pointed to schools as a keystone of his legacy to the city. He noted his accomplishments in establishing a plan for universal, full-day pre-K in Chicago by the year…
I Wanted to Stop Suffering, Just Like Jamel Myles
Trigger Warning: Suicide, homophobia, bullying The first time I contemplated and attempted suicide, I was a high school freshman. An email circulated around my friend group that said I was gay, and was posted up by the lockers. The school administration worked with the IT department to track down the source of the email. To use the computers, you had…